2009 Toyota Tundra Review

The Regular Cab 4x4 ($27,010) comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8 and an electronically controlled, part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Regular Cab is the workhorse edition Tundra, with a fabric-upholstered, 40/20/40-split bench seat, vinyl floor covering, column shift and manual-crank windows. Standard equipment includes a four-speaker, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio input, manual dual-zone air conditioning, tilt steering and Toyota's gas-boosted, tailgate-assist system. The standard wheels are 18-inch steel.

Double Cab Tundra Grade 4x2 ($25,090) comes with the 4.0-liter V6 and standard bed. The Tundra Double Cab features rear side door like on an SUV, and seats for as many as six. The 4.7-liter V8 ($145), 5.7-liter V8 ($1,445), and long bed are optional on Double Cab models. The Tundra Grade equipment basically matches the Regular Cab, adding carpet in place of the vinyl flooring, a tachometer and outside temperature indicator. The Double Cab Tundra Grade 4x4 ($28,140) adds four-wheel-drive and the 4.7-liter V8.

The Double Cab SR5 4x2 ($27,050) and 4x4 ($30,100) add lots of standard equipment, including power front bucket seats, a floor-mounted shifter and center console, power windows and heated mirrors, central locking, cruise control, a stereo with six speakers and an in-dash six-CD changer, heavy duty starter and battery, and mud guards.

The Double Cab Limited 4X2 ($36,010) and 4x4 ($39,070) feature the most luxurious trim package. Both come standard with the 4.7-liter V8, the 5.7-liter V8 is optional. They are only offered with the standard bed. Standard equipment includes heated, leather-trimmed front buckets, JBL audio with 12 speakers, sliding rear glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and programmable garage-door opener and front and rear park-assist.

The CrewMax Tundra Grade 4x2 ($27,915) and 4x4 ($30,965) feature full-size rear side doors and more rear-cab space, with a sliding, fold-flat rear bench seat. They come standard with the 4.7-liter V8, but are only offered with a 5.5-foot short bed. The 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic are optional ($1,190). A CrewMax SR5 4x2 ($29,875) and 4x4 ($38,545), and CrewMax Limited 4x2 ($37,760) and 4x4 ($41,605) are also available. Standard equipment on each trim level basically matches that on the Double Cab models, though the CrewMax adds an overhead console and a vertical sliding power rear window.

Options vary in price and exact content depending on model and region, and include things like a navigation system with back-up camera, rear-seat DVD player, cold-weather features, off-road packages and 20-inch aluminum wheels. There are few factory-installed stand-alone options, but dozens of dealer-installed accessories, such as bed liners.

TRD's Rock Warrior package ($3,177) adds color-keyed body trim on the front and a flat-black bumper on the back, fog lamps, black cloth manual seats, Bilstein shock absorbers, and 17-inch forged aluminum wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrains for traction, ride and rim protection. It's available on 5.7 V8 4x4 Double Cab standard bed or CrewMax.

The TRD Sport package ($2,408-$3,813) adds color-coordinated trim including bumpers, grille, mirrors and door handles, fog lamps, manual cloth bucket seats, and 20-inch 5-spoke machined-face alloy wheels. Available on 5.7-liter 2WD Regular Cab and Double Cab standard bed.

Safety features that come standard on every model include front- and side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger (the latter with an off switch in Regular Cab models), side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control with traction control and a limited slip differential.